Low voltage first; the use of a 12v DC powered camera can provide a number of obvious advantages. Firstly, if the unit is only required to operate for a very short period of time, sealed lead acid batteries will provide the ideal solution, with minimal installation problems, and accurately predictable performance under a wide range of operating conditions;

The low grade cable used to carry a 12v supply, can allow the batteries to be located well away from the camera, particularly if they need to be changed on a regular basis (its also a good idea to make sure that the camera is short circuit protected, against any risk of accidentally connecting the batteries up the wrong way! - (polarised quick fit connectors are a cheap and effective 'alternative' approach to this common problem).

Secondly, low voltage cables are relatively unobtrusive, and in most situations, will not generate any interest from inquisitive electricians undertaking routine maintenance work.

If the camera is required to be secreted inside a bag or briefcase, then again, battery power will provide the obvious solution, although a low power consumption PCB camera (possibly using a CS mount and quality covert pinhole lens), could be juiced up for short periods on Manganese Alkaline, rechargeable Nickel Cadmium or even NiMh or Lithium Ion cells if preferred.

In this situation, be aware that the cameras power consumption may well be outstripped by that of the video transmitter, and so you may need quite a few cells to make the package fly!!

Line powered cameras are a delight in most industrial or commercial situations, simply because of the need for asingle co-axial cable, to carry both power and signal.

With even basic transmission possible up to 200 metres using industry standard RG 59B/U co-axial, the only major problem is getting the cable in place, without getting caught!

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